Aug 15, Kathmandu - In the early hours of Saturday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Flores Island, Indonesia, prompting widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake resulted in the collapse of buildings and homes, with authorities reporting at least five fatalities.

Following the tremor, Indonesian officials issued a tsunami warning and urged residents along the coastline to move to higher ground. However, the warning was later lifted after no significant changes in sea level were observed, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at approximately 5:58 AM local time, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was located 68 kilometers north-northwest of the town of Ende in the East Nusa Tenggara province.

Aftershocks were felt repeatedly in the region. Rudi Darmoko, the police chief of East Nusa Tenggara, confirmed that two people died in the Sekar Regency and three in Manggarai Regency due to collapsing structures.

Communications and power supplies have been disrupted, hampering rescue and relief efforts. "We are collecting damage and casualty reports, but communication disruptions are hindering the process," Darmoko stated.

Rescue operations are underway as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the powerful quake.